Sebastian Vettel in Sochi first

Vettel becomes first F1 driver to sample Russia’s new Grand Prix circuit.

Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel has become the first Formula One driver to lap the newly completed Sochi Autodrom ahead of this year’s inaugural Russian Grand Prix.

The Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver and Infiniti Director of Performance travelled straight to Sochi from Spa Francorchamps after finishing fifth in the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.

He completed a number of high speed laps of the full Grand Prix circuit in an Infiniti Q50 Hybrid and was joined by former Formula One driver David Coulthard.

“It is great to be back in Sochi and the venue has been transformed since I was last here when it was really just a construction site.” said Seb. ”

“Having driven the full circuit for the first time in the Infiniti Q50 today, it’s an interesting layout with a good mix of high speed corners and technical sections.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge in a Formula One car for sure and I’m really looking forward to coming back in October.”   Vettel is no stranger to Sochi having visited the venue with Infiniti in April 2013 when the circuit was still under construction.

Since then, the complex has hosted the 2014 Winter Olympic Games ahead of the inaugural Russian Grand Prix due to take place on October 12 2014.

The Sochi Autodrom, designed by famed Formula One architect, Hermann Tilke, features 18 corners across 5.8 kilometres and will host round 16 of the 2014 World Championship.